Support with your mental health, worry and more - Carers Matter Norfolk : Carers Matter Norfolk

Published 26th August 2022 by Andy Barber

If you are looking after someone, knowing about the support available relating to mental health is valuable. Whether this is because you are caring for someone who has challenges with their mental health (including if they also have other health issues) or because you yourself would benefit from some of the support available, it can make a real difference knowing where you can turn to.

If you or the person you care for need urgent help with mental health, call the NHS on 111 and choose option 2

There are a range of forms of support available to you.

First response

First Response is a 24/7 helpline for people of all ages in Norfolk and Suffolk who need urgent mental health support. If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health you can call the helpline on 0808 196 3494. You can find out more at nsft.nhs.uk/first-response

Samaritans

You can talk to Samaritans anytime on 116 123. Their support is not just for those who are feeling suicidal.

Qwell

Qwell offers free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK. This includes:

Online messaging – This allows you to reach out directly to a professional.

Booked and drop-in chat – Online chat functionality allows you to receive professional support through booked or drop-in sessions as and when you need it.

Therapeutic content – Qwell have hundreds of pieces of therapeutic content created by our online community and professional content team.

Community support – Peer to peer forums are moderated to maximise safety and allow people to discuss issues together in a facilitated environment.

Personal development tools – The suite of self-help tools offer the ability to create journals, track your mood and set goals.

Childline

If you are under 19 you can contact Childline about anything. Call 0800 1111.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust have resources about mental health conditions available at nsft.nhs.uk/mental-healthconditions

WellbeingNandS

If you are feeling stressed, anxious low or depressed WellbeingNandS can help. You can visit their website at wellbeingnands.co.uk/norfolk or call their non-emergency number on 0300 123 1503.

Norfolk and Waveney Mind

Norfolk and Waveney Mind have a range of support and resources available to help whether you are managing your own mental health problem or supporting someone else with theirs.

See norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or call 0300 330 5488.

Carers Matter Norfolk Health and Wellbeing Fund

You may also be eligible or support from our Health and Wellbeing Fund.

The purpose of the Health and Wellbeing Fund is to improve your physical or mental health and wellbeing as a carer and to support you in your caring role.

Carers who have completed a carer’s assessment and action plan are able to access the fund which is there for your benefit as a carer.

You will also be able to spend some time with your Family Carer Practitioner to explore if there are other grants available who could fund the item or support you need, or if you are able to either partly or wholly fund it yourself.

The Health and Wellbeing Fund can be used for items or services which can help support your caring role, assist you to manage at home, to access some time for yourself, provide help looking at your finances or if you would like some help getting back into work.

Some examples might include: